[nfbmi-talk] Minutes, National Federation of the Blind of Michigan Board Meeting, March 14, 2012

[trising]

Minutes, National Federation of the Blind of Michigan Board Meeting, March 14, 2012 8:30 P.M.

Quorum, yes Larry Posont, Joe Sontag, Terri Wilcox, Mark Eagle, Nick Wilcox and Dave Robinson. 

Secretary's Report, Terri Wilcox. Joe Sontag moved to adopt the Secretary's Report. Nick Wilcox seconded the motion. The Secretary's Report was approved.

 Treasurer's Report, Mark Eagle.

The main account has $83,583.39 The newsline account has $1,783.26

The printing costs of $55 from the 2012 state convention has just been payed.

 Terri Wilcox moved to adopt the Treasurer's Report. Joe Sontag seconded the motion. The Treasurer's Report was approved. 

Introduction of participating members

President's Report, Larry Posont. Christine Boone resigned from the Training Center. The Agency is not training staff. Sleep shades will not be used. A sighted person will be hired or a blind person who does not understand blindness. We must not give up. 

Larry Posont will meet with Ed Rogers on Wednesday, March 20 for a half hour. He will address training of Agency staff and the Business Enterprise Program. He will also address jobs for blind people. They will discuss Newsline and rehabilitation of blind people.

Fund Raising relating to Solicitation: This will involve solicitation through telemarketing for a donation. We will receive 15% of the donation and will split it with the National office. The solicitation will telemarket in Saginaw. Terri Wilcox moved to explore solicitation through telemarketing with the National Office where donations of 15% are taken via phone. Joe Sontag seconded the motion. The motion was approved. 

National Scholarship applications are down this year. Students must apply by March 31. 

Jernigan Scholarships are due by April 15. Larry Posont wrote one letter. Assistance from the Affiliate, to attend National Convention, is due by May 1. Currently, six or seven people have applied.

Old Business: Cinnamon almonds are being looked at from a new company introduced to Larry Posont by Sarah Norwood. The state needs to be audited by the national office in order to get a lottery license but the audit does not have to be certified. There is concern about negative propaganda concerning the Anderson Building. This is fueling Hb4256. Joe Sontag is making appointments. Others are giving feedback about the bill. Blind operators are not the problem, but the agency. At the Vendors Meeting, Ed Rogers would not answer direct questions about the State Plate. There is an attempt to revoke the licenses of Forty-eight vendors because they did not turn in inventories. A promotional agent will be hired who will use a portion of their time for training. 

New Business: There is no update on the web page or Newsletter. 

Dave Robinson moved to adjourn at 9:18 Joe Sontag seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned.

 

Voice Lessons and Braille Tutoring available. Contact Terri Wilcox MA at (734)663-4050 or at trising at sbcglobal.net